How Masahiro Tanaka could be successful in spring debut

TAMPA, Fla. — Masahiro Tanaka doesn't need to live up to his seven-year, $155-million contract.

Hold up, I don't mean ever. I mean Saturday, when Tanaka throws for the first time against major league hitters against the Phillies at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

Here's what Tanaka needs to do:

1. Settle down: The 25-year-old is generally calm and in control – if you haven't seen him dominate Japanese hitters on YouTube, I suggest scrolling to the bottom of this page and watching the video. He's pretty stoic out there until he blows a fastball or splitter past a hitter. He's going to need that personality to prevail today. The nerves, they'll be there, at least a little bit.

2. Locate: If soon after Tanaka throws his 35th pitch, ending his day, you're wondering why he got smacked around, don't go crazy. Tanaka throws six pitches. The biggest thing for him Saturday shouldn't be trying to miss bats. It should be just putting the ball where he wants it. He can start from there and ramp it up in later outings.

3. Make at least one hitter look silly: Sure, C.C. Sabathia and Hiroki Kuroda will pitch, but most of the eyes will be on Tanaka. He's got to give fans at least one nasty, disgusting, I-just-threw-up-in-my-mouth split finger, which some scouts — and Bobby Valentine — have called the best in the world. One of those will give them hope, and give Tanaka some leeway.